Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a2 milk. All opinions are my own, and I only work with brands that I use and would recommend to others.
“I’m lactose intolerant.” That’s something I’ve been hearing more often from my athlete clients. As a constantly hungry long-distance runner, I’m always on the lookout for high protein foods that will curb hunger and repair muscles after a workout. My refueling beverage of choice is mother nature’s protein drink–milk. Each 8-ounce glass of milk contains 8 grams of convenient and healthy protein that’s perfect for post-workout recovery. I recommend milk to all of my athlete clients.
But when my clients state “I’m lactose intolerant”, I’m usually left making a list of less nutritious dairy alternatives. Well, that’s not the case anymore because of a2 milk!
Haven’t heard of a2 milk? You’re in luck. I’m breaking down what it is, 5 reasons you should drink it and where you can find it!
- People with lactose intolerance can drink a2 milk.
Cows have a mixture of a1 and a2 proteins that go into milk. Conventional milk contains both proteins, but a2 Milk comes from cows that ONLY produce the a2 protein. These cows are not genetically modified, but are naturally selected for their a2 genes. A simple DNA test shows which cows have the a2 protein and they are isolated to make a2 milk. Like some humans have brown eyes, while others have blue eyes, some cows have the a1 protein and some cows have a2.
Why is this important? Research has shown that the a2 protein does not cause the same inflammatory response that the a1 protein causes in those that suffer from lactose intolerance. By drinking true a2 Milk from cows that naturally produce only the pure A2 protein, people with lactose intolerance can enjoy good old cow’s milk without any gastrointestinal discomfort.
[tweetthis]Lactose intolerant? Now you can enjoy conventional cow’s milk with @a2milk[/tweetthis]
2. Each glass has 8 grams of protein.
After a tough workout, many people think they need loads of protein from a shake when they just need a little extra protein from something like a glass of milk. Don’t like just plain milk? Chocolate milk has been proven to be a great recovery drink after an intense workout. After a long bout of endurance activity, like running or biking, it is necessary to repair muscle damage with protein and replace depleted carbohydrate stores. Chocolate milk has just the right combination of carbs (chocolate) and protein (milk) to ensure adequate recovery. It’s also a much cheaper and more natural alternative to expensive protein shakes. A2 milk has the same amount of protein as conventional milk and it’s a great, cheap and convenient sources of protein for athletes with lactose intolerance.
3. An 8-ounce glass of a2 milk has 9 essential vitamins and minerals.
One glass of a2 milk has the same amount of nutrients as all of these foods COMBINED:
- The protein of 1.5 medium eggs
- The riboflavin of ⅓ cup whole almonds
- The niacin of 20 cherry tomatoes
- The calcium of 10 cups of raw spinach
- The phosphorous of 1 cup of kidney beans
- The Vitamin B12 of 4 ounces of turkey
- The Vitamin D of ¾ ounce of salmon
- The vitamin A of ¾ cup of broccoli
- The potassium of 1 small banana
All of that in ONE small glass of a2 milk! You definitely can’t get that in dairy alternatives.
4. It helps build strong bones in kids and adults.
A2 milk has the same amount of calcium as traditional milk. Eating food sources of calcium is the best way to keep bones strong throughout your lifetime. If you’re not a big milk drinker, try adding milk to your oatmeal, smoothies and baked goods.
5. A2 milk is free of hormones and antibiotics and is made in the USA.
The a2 milk company works with sustainable family farmers to guarantee that their cows are not treated with growth hormones or rBST and that the milk is antibiotic free. The majority of a2 milk comes from pasture-raised cows that daily access to outdoor pastures, are never given added hormones, and are fed an all vegetarian, plant-based diet. A2 milk comes from dairy cows in the USA, and it’s widely available in the US. Find a2 milk in a store near you today!
Great job Natalie- solid facts and such an important topic to get out there!